A drug laboratory with bags of Mandrax powder, different equipment, and stolen vehicles was discovered on Tuesday, 21 February, by police in the Grobearsdal Cluster.
This follows a Crime Intelligence Driven operation which comprised of provincial crime intelligence, Groblersdal crime intelligence, the K9 unit, members from the Forensic Department and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says police received information regarding the suspects who were involved in vehicle theft, carjacking and dealing in and manufacturing drugs at Thabakhubedu village in Dennilton policing precinct.
“The information was acted upon and two suspects, aged 26 and 39 respectively, were arrested. The other two suspects managed to evade arrest,” he said.
Mojapelo said the following were confiscated during the raid:
- 2 stolen motor vehicles. A Ford meteor and Nissan NP300. The vehicles were reported stolen in Thabazimbi in January 2009.
- Equipment for the manufacturing of Mandrax tablets with an estimated value of R2 million.
- One presser machine
- One mixer machine
- Industrial stoves
- Different chemicals that are utilized to make mandrax.
- Five bags containing mandrax powder, each weighing 25kg, with an estimated street value of R10 million.
- Cash amounting to R29 820
The arrested suspects will be charged with manufacturing and dealing in drugs as well as possession of stolen vehicles.
Mojapelo said the operation lasted several hours, until 04h00, Tuesday morning and that more arrests are expected.
“The suspects will appear in Moutse magistrate court soon,” he concluded.
